Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and Global Ocean
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (1998-2006)
Reporting Period: 1998-2006
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Conservation
- Socioeconomic Development
- Sustainable Tourism
Environmental Achievements
- Increased awareness and protection of cetacean habitats through whale watching activities within marine protected areas (MPAs).
Social Achievements
- Growth of whale watching in Latin America, increasing at an average rate of 11.3% per year (1998-2006), creating jobs and economic opportunities in 91 communities across 18 countries.
- Development of whale festivals and workshops, promoting community engagement and education.
Governance Achievements
- Seven countries implemented whale watch regulations.
- Thirteen countries are members of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Potential oversupply and price wars in rapidly growing areas like Costa Rica.
- Inconsistent data reporting among whale watch operators.
- Need for more socioeconomic research to maximize the value of whale watching for local communities.
Mitigation Strategies
- Careful management and regulation of whale watching activities.
- Multiple data sources used to verify numbers and present conservative estimates.
- Recommendations for raising prices, managing peak demand, and diversifying products to maximize earnings.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
Whale watching contributes to economic growth in coastal communities and promotes the conservation of marine ecosystems.